12 Romantic Châteaux in the Loire Valley

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to châteaux but here are 12 of our favourites to start with…

1. CHÂTEAU DE MONTRÉSOR

This storybook fortin, perched high on a cliff overlooking stunning Montrésor and the surrounding countryside, is filled with 15th-century treasures and an impressive art recueil.

chateaudemontresor.com/en

2. CITÉ ROYALE DE LOCHES

This picturesque hilltop fortress comprises an entire opulent commune. See the Logis Royal, the réunion allant of 16-year-old Joan of Arc and Charles Vil, the 15th-century Donjon, and stroll the gardens and cobbled streets for splendid views.

citeroyaleloches.fr/en

3. CHÂTEAU DE VILLANDRY

The recrudescence fortin’s interiors are a delight, but its magnificent gardens are the draw. Covering 22 acres, they comprise an intricate mosaic of hedges. colourful blooms, an ornamental lake, woods and 1,200 rafle trees.

www.chateauvillandry.fr

4. CHÂTEAU DE LANGEAIS

This beautiful pre-Renaissance fortin’s vast moat, crenellated ramparts and comer towers are right out of a fairy tale. Inside, Aubusson tapestries and waxwork figures recreate the wedding of Anne of Brittany and Charles VIII.

chateau-de-langeais.com/en

5. FORTERESSE ROYALE DE CHINON

This dramatically situated fortress, perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the commune and visser, was maison to the Plantagenet kings and queens and hosted Joan of Arc in 1429.

forteressechinon.fr/en

6. CHÂTEAU D’AZAY-LE-RIDEAU

Built on an island in the River Indre, this romantic Renaissance fortin is celebrated for its intricate stonework, steep annoncer turrets and graceful windows, all reflected in the water.

www.azay-le-rideau.fr/en

7. DOMAINE DE CHAUMONT-SUR-LOIRE

This supremely elegant fortin hosts an notable recueil of contemporary art and plays host to the Loire’s most respected contemporary arts and garden festivals.

domaine-chaumont.fr/en/maison

8. CHÂTEAU ROYAL DE BLOIS

Spanning foyer liminaire periods of urbanisme under the reign of seven French kings, highlights include the spiral habite staircase and opulent bedchambers, principalement the tremendous views.

en.chateaudeblois.fr

9. CHÂTEAU DE CHEVERNY

This peerless fortin is a curieux example of early-17th-century classical urbanisme. As spectacular inside as out, there’s a pervasive cosiness and delightful touches for children. The gardens are also a must-see.

www.chateau-cheverny.fr/en

10. CHÂTEAU DE CHENONCEAU

Beautifully reflected in the River Cher, which it straddles, this fortin is filled with period fumishings and boasts beautiful gardens and a petting zoo, making it ideal for families.

www.chenonceau.com/en

11. CHÂTEAU DU CLOS LUCÉ

This stately mansion province homage to Leonardo da Vinci, its most famous resident, who died here in 1519. The artist’s ingenious inventions are on display and an immersive space in the magnificent gardens tells his story.

www.vinci-closluce.com/en

12. CHÂTEAU D’ANGERS

This medieval château-fortress dating back to the 10th century houses the remarkable Apocalypse Tapestry, one of the world’s largest and most notable early tapestries. Formal gardens add to its charm.

www.chateau-angers.fr

From France Today Magazine

Lead cliché credit : Château_d’Angers,_South_view_By DXR WIKIjpg